Dilys Elwyn-Edwards spent the majority of her life in Caernarfon, in a house overlooking the Menai Straits, where she lived with her husband, Presbyterian minister Elwyn Edwards – teaching piano at Bangor University and composing art song. Her small but significant catalogue includes Welsh- and English-language settings, many of which have become classics of Welsh repertoire. This new recording takes the name of her best-known work, Mae Hiraeth yn y Môr – the third song in the cycle Caneuony Tri Aderyn (Songs of the Three Birds), which features alongside four other cycles, individual songs and a Lullaby for piano. Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas – who performed at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May 2018 – performs with Welsh pianist Jocelyn Freeman for this recording, which is accompanied by concerts around Wales*.

Welsh choral music performed by John S Davies Singers

John S Davies is a key figure in Welsh music – with his choir, he has commissioned and championed work by numerous Welsh composers.

This recording, Dathliad (Celebration), made to mark the group’s fortieth anniversary, features some gems of this repertoire. The work of eight Welsh composers is represented – from Alun Hoddinott and William Mathias, to composers still living and working in Wales today.